I, too, bought one of AT&T's U-Verse RF remotes (except they ripped me off for about $80) and I, too, find it madding to use. When pointed DIRECTLY at the set-top box (equipped with the required dongle that supposedly accepts the RF signals), it usually fails to work. Pointing the remote at the ceiling seems to work best, even though that seems counter-intuitive when you COULD aim it directly at the box (and usually do until remembering to aim at the ceiling, resulting in many button pushes that do nothing).

 

Pushing any given command button is met with a slight, slight delay when it does work. It feels like the remote is functioning under water. The "Menu" button responds with a loud CLICK when pushed compared to the silver remote that came with the system, which is silent.

 

Oddly, the remote seems to work well from other rooms. It's really quite remarkable how eager it is to function properly from WAY far away and not in direct view of the U-Verse box, and yet NOT work adequately from 15 feet in front of the U-Verse box!

 

Oh, by the way, we LOVE AT&T U-Verse. No kidding. But the RF remote isn't ready for prime time

I just wanted to echo this sentiment.  This remote has caused nothing but headaches.  Please let me know if you figured anyway to solve your problem.

I've been very happy with my AT&T Uverse RF remote.  I can be anywhere in the family room or kitchen and have it work.  Try taking out the supplied batteries and putting in some fresh ones. 

 

Sorry you are having problems! 

 

 

 

You might want to try finding another Channel for the remote (the small button on front of the USB dongle).

Mine has been working fine as well.

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jrochman wrote:

I just wanted to echo this sentiment.  This remote has caused nothing but headaches.  Please let me know if you figured anyway to solve your problem.

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HAVE HAD TWO REMOTES SENT NEITHER WORKED WORTH A DARN. SPENT 5 - 6 HOURS ON THE PHONE WITH TECH SUPPORT WHAT A WASTE.  SENT BOTH BACK WITH AN RA NUMBER AND HAVE NOW WASTED 3 HOURS ON THE PHONE TRYING TO GET THE CHARGE OFF MY CREDIT CARD.  LOUSY PRODUCT AND EVEN WORSE CUSTOMER SERVICE.  A COMMUNICATION COMPANY THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH .  GOOD LUCK ALL

All U-verse remote activity is deficient for anyone expecting a seamless experience. An expectation based on decades of experience with all the different IR remotes.

 

I believe, there are three problem areas -

 

The IR receiver is too sensitive this shows up in all the problems reported aginst the standard remote. It also needs to be addressed with the RF - aim the dongle horizontal and protect the STB from any outside light sources.

 

The speed of channel changing is outstanding. But, there is significant lag when using any menus. The channel speed sets expectations for the menu speed. Since menu activities are used at least as much as channel changes in the U-verse universe, they should have the same speed of response. In the meantime, a little patience will help.

 

The RF signal does seem to be polarized. If the dongle is vertical the remote must be vertical. Right now, I have it horizontal (also helps with problem 1) and the channel changes work well holding the remote horizontal. Does not work at all vertical. The menu activites are agonizingly slow.

Update to my previous response - this reminded me that I wanted to try the "black tape" fix used for IR problems on the RF setup. When I first set up the RF many months ago I actually used white paper to maximize the RF signal.

 

So, I just covered the IR reciever with a 2" piece of black tape - It works great now - channel changes - fast menu - any position.

 

Looks like a too sensitve IR reciever is a major cause of problems.

Got the remote free and wasted four hours before two different technicians confirmed it is useless for controlling a home theater. It may work on a single TV/cable box combo but it is erratic trying to control volume and on/off functions when a DVD or Receiver is added to the mix. Thanks for the batteries AT&T but you can have the remote back.

Jpazak - What is it you are trying to do? Maybe I can make some suggestions.

Objective: Control the volume with an Onkyo theater receiver while maintaining  the ability to on/off the cable box, Onkyo, Samsung TV with one click of the  power  button. (And not lose the ability to change channels)  ......all of which is possible with a standard remote.

After 4 hours I don't care to mess anymore with this so I moved the new remote to a solo TV. You would have to pay me to waste more time with a Point Anywhere remote. Thanks.

Jpazak - I was not thinking of suggesting anything with the point anywhere remote. Although, if you can do it with the gray remote, it should be the same with the point anywhere.

You say you are accomplishing your objective with the standard remote. Then why the point anywhere? Just because you were able to get one?

I am not trying to be argumentative, just understand.

I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to post your comments and opinions related to this topic. This topic has been thoroughly discussed and will now be closed.